Two emerging prospects from the UK scene will look to make an impact on the European stage after signing for Oktagon MMA.

Lightweight Shem Rock and welterweight Liam Etebar were announced by the promotion as their latest additions to Oktagon’s growing roster, where they will join former UFC welterweight contender John Hathaway, former Cage Warriors middleweight champion Lee Chadwick and Oktagon welterweight James Lewis to bolster the organization’s UK representation.

The Czech-Slovak MMA promotion has made great strides over the past 12 months, and their expansion into new territories across Europe has seen them look to grow their roster to include more pan-European talent.

And, with the promotion announcing it plans to head to the UK for an event in 2023, Oktagon have drafted in Rock and Etebar, who look sure to be a part of that event later this year.

Rock heads to Oktagon with an 8-1 record and a 100 percent finishing rate. The Liverpudlian fighter sharpens his skills alongside the likes of Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann at Liverpool gym Next Gen MMA.

Etebar has a record of 8-2, with seven of those victories coming inside the distance. Most recently, Etebar competed for Dutch promotion Levels Fight League, where he unsuccessfully challenged for the welterweight title. Now he’s ready for a fresh challenge on a bigger stage, and will look to carry his finishing power into the Oktagon cage when he makes his promotional debut later this year.

Oktagon MMA: Confirmed events

  • February 11: Oktagon 39, Munich, Germany
  • March 4: Oktagon 40, Ostrava, Czech Republic
  • April 15: Oktagon 41, Liberec, Czech Republic
  • April 29: Oktagon 42, Bratislava, Slovakia
  • May 20: Oktagon 43, Prague, Czech Republic
  • June 16: Oktagon 44, Oberhausen, Germany